What is Faith?

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

What is faith? What does it look like when expressed in a person's life? Note the parallels between these two verses from the "faith chapter." They help us understand faith.

Faith is "being sure of what we hope for" (v.1) that is believing "that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (v.6). Faith is believing the promises of God that are yet to be fulfilled. Promises for this life and eternity.

Faith is "being...certain of what we do not see" (v.1) that is believing "that He exists" (v.6). We do not see God with physical eyes but we see Him and the unseen spiritual realities with eyes of faith. Faith is walking in fellowship with one we do not see but whom we know is real.

For further thought note how Hebrews 11:26 and 27 show this faith fleshed out in the life of Moses.

Father, may I see with eyes of faith so that I might walk close with You, who though unseen are very real, and that I might follow you faithfully holding tight to Your promises.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Are you Perfect?

"...because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Hebrews 10:14

The death of Jesus on the cross is all-sufficient! There is nothing else needed to secure our salvation or to provide for the continued forgiveness of our sin.

By his sacrifice we are "made perfect forever." We stand in a right relationship with God because we stand in Christ covered by His sacrifice.

By his sacrifice we are "being made holy." We are perfect before God through Christ but we are still becoming holy in our daily experience through the transforming power of Christ in our lives. What we are in standing (perfect) we are becoming in practice (holy). How amazing is the blood of Jesus!

Father, I rejoice in the perfect standing that you have given me before You in Your perfect Son Jesus. I pray that what I am in Christ before You will more and more be expressed in my life each day before people.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

A Superior Salavation

"So Christ was sacrificed once to take way the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:28

In this chapter there are several contrasts between Christ's ministry and that of the old Testament priesthood.

• The priests ministry provided partial, outward cleansing, but Christ provides complete, internal cleansing (9:13-14).
• The priests ministered in a copy of the heavenly sanctuary, but Christ ministers in the true holy of holies in heaven (9:24).
• The priests provided temporary cleansing that had to be repeated again and again, but Christ provided cleansing once and for all that never needs to be repeated (9:25-26).

These are just some of the ways that Jesus is superior to the ministry that men can provide. He is a great Savior. Why would we look anywhere else but to Him?

Father, I thank you for the great Savior and great salvation that you have provided for me in Jesus Christ. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on Him rather than on the temporary things of this world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

We're Not Alone

The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man
Hebrews 8:1-2

I don't know about you, but there are times in my Christian life when I feel all alone. As I read this passage I am reminded that I have a great High Priest who is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for me on a daily basis. Many times when God fills distant, it's not because He has left me but because I have often neglected my time with Him. As we start a new week, if you are feeling like God is a million miles away, remember that "He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence." (Hebrews 9:24) So I would encourage you to set aside a little extra time this week to thank Christ for His sacrifice and to strengthen your connection with Him.

Father, I thank you for your love and mercy. I want to praise you for your mighty works. God, help me to remember that I am not alone, that I have a great High Priest interceding for me on a daily basis. Help me to make more time connecting with you this week.

Your Servant
Chris

Our Great High Priest

"....but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely [NIV footnote "or forever"] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:24-25

The Old Testament priest offered sacrifices and intercessions for the Israelites. Jesus is our great high priest. He offered the once for all sacrifice for our sins (see v. 27). And he lives to intercede on our behalf.

Jesus surpasses and makes of no use every human priesthood. We have no need for someone to offer sacrifices for our sins because Jesus' sacrifice has taken care of our sin for all time. We need no one else to intercede (serve as a go between for us with God) because He is interceding for us.

Our salvation is secure as long as our Savior Priest lives. And He lives forever and so He is able to save us forever!

Father, I thank you that You gave to us Jesus as High Priest. Help me to daily live in the confidence that accompanies the salvation and access to You that He provides.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Spiritual Diligence

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12

No one likes to be called lazy, at least I don't! Yet spiritual laziness is a real danger that threatens every Christ follower's progress. We may become lazy and so neglectful of consistent time in prayer and Scripture. We may become lazy and so lax in our obedience to Christ's commands. We may become lazy and so sloppy in our preparation for and performance of service in Christ's name.

If anything in our life calls for diligence it is our walk with Christ. The key characteristics of diligence that we are called to imitate in this verse are "faith" and "patience" (the Greek word means endurance over a long time). Keeping a vibrant faith in the living God compels diligence in seeking Him while a cold faith leads to laziness. An enduring commitment to stick with spiritual discipline and service in low as well as high times nurtures diligence and produces maturity.

Let's not become lazy in the thing that matters most so that we may fully inherit what God has promised!

Father, check my laziness and spur me toward diligence in any area of my walk with You where I've become negligent. And thank you for Your faith in me and Your patient endurance with me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Reverent Submission

7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. - Hebrews 5:7

Jesus’ prayers were heard because of his “reverent submission.”

Many of our prayers focus on the things that we want, or think we need. The primary characteristic of Jesus’ prayer life was submission (see Mat. 6:10, 26:42).

When we pray selfish prayers it reveals a lack of trust in God. Submitting our lives to God requires that we trust Him completely. A prayer life that is characterized by reverence and submissions begins with an understanding of who God is, and the love that He has for us. (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Rom. 8:28)

Father, thank you for loving me. I trust that you know what’s best for me and I submit myself to you.

Scripture Interpretation

"For the word of God is living and active. sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

We may view Bible Study as me interpreting the Scripture to discover its meaning. This is a valid and necessary endeavor. But this verse seems to say that Scripture interprets me as I read it. The Scripture looks into our life, searching us, revealing thoughts and attitudes that may be hidden to men but are clear to God (see v.13). The Scripture shows us who we are and then invites and helps us to become who God has saved us to be in Christ.

Father, I thank you for your powerful Word that searches me and leads me in the path of life. Help me to hold my life before Scripture and receive Your work in my life through it.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

Here’s what I see in this verse:

Everyone needs encouragement—especially in difficult circumstances. A few caring words, a letter, a text, an email, a smile…encouragement is precious. We receive it gratefully, a treasure from the right person. Encouragement gives life. Encouragement helps a Christ follower to be faithful.

Discouragement kills. Satan uses our feelings to deceive us and rob us of the joy of trusting God in every circumstance. It’s a hard, bitter soul who does not give or receive encouragement.

Encouragement is something we all need to experience (both giving and receiving) and with great regularity: every day, as this verse suggests. It takes humility to encourage someone. If we develop the practice of encouraging those around us, we will strengthen our own walk with Jesus.

Lord, thank you for those who have encouraged me. Help me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ on a daily basis.

Seeking to be fdtC,
Jim

In His Strong Hand

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18

Jesus has been where you are today. He has faced what you are facing. He knows what it is to struggle with the overwhelming temptation to sin. Yet unlike us He never gave in and so He is uniquely qualified to help us in our struggle.

He can help us not only because He can identify with us but more so because He alone has the strength to withstand. Never say "Its no use I'll never overcome that temptation." Say as the apostle Paul, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). Then prayerfully commit yourself into His strong care.

Lord Jesus, You have been where I am and you overcame. Help me now to live in Your overcoming power.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God Still Speaks

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets... but in these last days he has spoke to us by his Son..." Hebrews 1:1, 2

God speaks! He spoke the universe into existence and He has been speaking ever since. By His word He has created and performed mighty deeds. And by His word He has made Himself known to those who would listen.

First through prophets and then through Jesus He revealed Himself. He stooped down from His lofty throne to communicate with His creatures that we might know Him and love Him as He knows and loves us. He still speaks and reveals Himself to those who will listen to the prophets and His Son through Scripture. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:9).

Father, I rejoice that although high and lifted up you bend low in love to speak and reveal yourself. Grant to me ears to hear that I may know and love You more fully.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Give Your Faith Away

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." Philemon 1:6

If we give away our money we may eventually empty our bank account. But the more that we give away our faith through witness and service the fuller our spiritual account grows.

Plans for spiritual growth that focus only on intake (i.e. Bible Study, prayer, worship, etc.) will not lead to the full enjoyment of every good thing that is ours in Christ. Spiritual growth and abundant life (John 10:10) require us to not only feed our faith but to give our faith away.

Father, help me to be alert to opportunities and active in giving my faith away so that I may grow to more fully know and enjoy every good thing that is mine in Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Christians and Rulers

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:1-2

In 1 Timothy 3 we are reminded to pray for our rulers and here we are called to submit to their authority. Perhaps we need to especially note the words "to slander no one." We are blessed to live in a free society where we can disagree out loud with our leaders. We are free to express our opinions and cast our votes. But at the same time as Christ followers we are obilgated to speak respectfully of our leaders, pray for them, and submit to their proper exercise of authority. We should do everything we can to positively influence our government but we must do it in a way that glorifies Christ.

Father, my all my speech and conduct in regard to those who lead our country bring glory to Christ and edify the people near me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Just Say No

“It (the grace of God) teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” - Titus 2:12

After spending the summer studying Galatians and focused on God’s grace this verse spoke very loudly to me. Grace has an end. I don’t mean a limit. I mean that grace has a goal, a purpose. God’s grace was designed to lead us to live holy lives. Not only are we justified (made right with God) by grace, but we are also sanctified (made clean) by grace. Grace helps us to not do the things that we should not do – participate in ungodliness and worldly passions. It also helps us to do the things that we should do – live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.

Father, I need more of your grace. Please, teach me to say "NO" to the temptations of ungodliness, and forgive me for the times when I sin. I want to live a life fully surrendered to your purposes.

In Need of His Grace,

Matt

Action over Words

"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him." Titus 1:16

It is not our claims but our actions that reveal our true knowledge of God. If we know God in a saving relationship it will involve us in a process of life transformation which will be evident in our actions. What do our actions tell us and those near us about our relationship with God today?

Father, may my actions reveal a deep and growing knowledge of you each day. Keep me from mere lip service and transform me into the character of Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Loving Christ more than the World

"Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica."
2 Timothy 4:10

This is a haunting verse. Demas had been a loyal worker and cherished friend alongside Paul in the cause of Christ (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24). But as Paul sat in prison facing probable execution, Demas found the world more attractive than Christ's service. He turned his back on the cause of Christ and on Christ's servant Paul to pursue some thing of this world that had captivated his heart in Thessalonica.

Demas started well but finished poorly. In contrast as he watched the final sands slipping through his hourglass, Paul was able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (4:7).

I want more than anything to finish well. Is there anything that I've allowed to captivate my heart that if left unchecked would cause me to desert Christ for the love of the world?

Father, may my heart belong to Christ alone and be swept clean of all worldliness. Help me to stay faithful to Christ and finish well.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Me Persecuted?

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived."
2 Timothy 312-13

Is your desire is "to live a godly life in Christ Jesus"? If so you will find yourself travelling against the grain of our culture which is rapidly moving in the opposite direction. Therefore we must expect that at times our life will clash with the culture and evoke a negative reaction from those who do not value our godliness.

If we never find ourselves at odds with the culture then we may be moving in the wrong direction. Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you..." (Luke 6:26). The promise of persecution is not one that we cherish and quote often to encourage one another. Yet we need to be aware of the cost of godliness and ready at any cost "to live a godly life in Christ Jesus."

Father, help me to live a truly godly life in Christ Jesus never shying away from paying a price for devotion to my Savior and Lord.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Faithful without Fail

"If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." 2 Timothy 2:13

The Lord Jesus may disown us if we disown Him (v.12) but if we are faithless He cannot return the favor. Faithlessness is not in the character of Jesus. As "God does not lie" (Titus 1:2) so Jesus is not faithless. He will always be faithful to His character--He is unchanging. He will always be faithful to His promises--He is unfailing. He will always be faithful to His purposes--He is unstoppable. We may falter and fail but when we look to Him we will find Him ever faithful.

Lord Jesus, I rejoice in your unfailing faithfulness and pray that You may so fully live in me that I may reflect your faithfulness.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

More than Truth

"What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:13

Orthodoxy, "sound teaching," is of extreme importance. We must know, stand firm in, and correctly teach the truth of God. But by itself orthodoxy can become dead and cold religion. Sound teaching must be kept in company with "faith" and "love."

A living and sincere faith (see 1:5) in the God revealed in sound teaching is essential. We must not merely believe the truth but we must believe deeply in the God of truth. And coupled with faith must be love for God and people. We must love those with whom we speak God's truth--caring for their soul and not merely for their confession of orthodox truth.

Father, let me not stray from the truth but neither let me hold the truth without sincere faith and genuine love in Christ Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

LIving for the Coming Age

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
1 Timothy 6:17-19

Though our names will never appear on Forbes list of the wealthiest Americans, the truth is that in comparison to most of the world we are rich. We must be on guard against hoping in and seeking after wealth and the things it buys. Our hope and joy need to be always fixed upon God our provider rather than on the things He has provided.

Our true wealth is not in "this present world" but in "the coming age." Therefore wise stewardship is to invest the wealth of "this present world" into the things that will bring dividends in "the coming age." Billy Graham was influenced by a simple chorus that he learned as a child. It goes like this: "With eternity in view, with eternity in view, let me live my life for Jesus with eternity in view." That would be a good prayer for us all.

Father, help me not be be consumes with the things of "this present world" but rather to live my life for "the coming age" so that I might "take hold of the life that is truly life."

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Faith Muscles

" . . . train yourself to be godly. ⁸For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. - 1 Timothy 4:7-8

The NASB translates the end of verse 7 this way "train yourself for the purpose of godliness."

Just as physical health requires diligence and sacrifice so does our spiritual life. Godliness cannot be obtained through idleness and indifference toward spiritual things. Godliness requires that we regularly apply ourselves in activities that exercise our faith. The list is long. Reading the Word of God, intercessory prayer, loving others, caring for those in need, utilizing our gifts, giving sacrificially, serving in the local church, building relationships with lost people for the purpose of sharing the gospel with them, fasting, discipling someone, memorizing scripture, and the list goes on.

We just completed our study of Galatians where Paul reminds his readers that "A man reaps what he sows." (Gal. 6:7) If we don't want to coast through life on spiritual fumes we must be willing to put in the time and effort to train ourselves spiritually.

Father, I want to be more godly. I want to experience more peace and joy in my relationship with you. I want desperately to experience victory over sin. I need your help to grow strong spiritually. Increase my appetite for your Word. Give me endurance in prayer. Give me the resolve to maintain consistent spiritual habits.

Pursuing godliness with you,
Matt